Light at the end of the tunnel: Weekly Message for 04-04-2023

Dear Friends in Christ,

The Easter Triduum begins this Thursday with the Evening Mass of the Lord’s Supper, the start of the liturgical year’s most solemn days.

The ceremonies within them—Washing of the Feet, Adoration of the Cross, solo singing of the Exsultet at the Easter Vigil Mass (a test of any minister’s vocal cords) and Vigil’s multiple scriptural readings—can be as physically engaging as they are spiritually enriching.

Rare is the person who attends the three big liturgies of the Triduum and comes away unmoved.

And that is the partly the point. These days that recall Our Lord’s Passion and death show us the hideous price of sin, as well as the stunning depth of God’s love for us. That he would put his Son through all that pain for love of us is almost beyond belief.

So what can we bring away from these days?

First, that each of us is deeply loved by God. Each of us has a place in his heart and a purpose in this world.

Second, that the suffering and death of Jesus demands a response from us. He did so much for us. What will we do for him?

Third
, that beyond the horrors of Good Friday there lies the joy of an empty tomb on Easter morning. We have reason to be people of hope.

To help prepare for the light at the end of the Triduum tunnel, you might consider watching, listening, or reading A Cure for Discouragement: A Retreat Guide for Easter.

And remember, the Lord who wants us to share his cross, wants us to share his resurrection, too.

Count on my prayers for all our readers during Holy Week.

In Christ,

Father Edward McIlmail, LC
Ask a Priest contributor

What did you think?

Share your review! Just log in or create your free account.

Leave a Reply

Want more?

Sign up for the weekly email and access to member-only content

Skip to content